Arsenal move: Stones or Konsa to replace Saliba?

Arsenal's defensive plans have taken an unexpected turn following Saliba's injury. According to Sky Sports, the club are considering John Stones and Ezri Konsa to strengthen their defence after William Saliba suffered a back injury during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.

There is also an important update on the course of the injury. An earlier report suggested surgery was the most likely scenario; however, according to Sky Sports' latest information, Saliba has avoided the need for surgery, though the 25-year-old is still expected to face a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

The first name carries a familiar connection. Stones, 32, who became a free agent after his contract at Manchester City expired last month, worked with Mikel Arteta during the Arsenal manager's time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at City; Chelsea are also reported to be interested in the English defender.

The second name offers a different profile. For Konsa, 28, who has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract and featured in all eight of England's matches at the World Cup, Arsenal are reported to be exploring the cost of a potential deal, though there is a significant gap in valuation with Villa.

An interesting statistical detail also accompanies this file. According to Twenty3's player similarity tool, neither Stones nor Konsa appear among the 10 players most stylistically similar to Saliba across Europe's major leagues (Konsa narrowly misses out in 12th); the tool identifies Inter's Manuel Akanji, Nice's Kojo Peprah Oppong and Como's Jacobo Ramon as the most similar players to Saliba, with 97% similarity scores.

There is also an explanation for the club pursuing a new signing despite its defensive depth. Although Arsenal already have alternatives in Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White, injury issues within that group and Arteta's preference for not shifting his first-choice full-backs into central defence are reported to have prompted the club to pursue another centre-back this summer.

Source: Sky Sports